INTRODUCTION
In the late 17th century, most Scottish landowners
of any consequence still housed themselves in
tower-houses or tall castle-like houses. Although the
wealthier and more powerful landowners occupied
the larger of these residences, the houses of most
of the gentry also rose tall with remarkably compact
planning. By the early 19th century, a shift in the
culture and aspirations of landowners had led to the
abandonment of most of these towers and houses in
favour of larger country-houses. Some ancient towers
were incorporated in new mansions, but hundreds
were, simply, abandoned. Very many of them remain
as ruins in the landscape to this day.
In the decades following the end of World War Two,
the country houses which succeeded the towers
and castles came under threat. Historic architecture
as a whole was under attack as comprehensive
redevelopment and a new architectural and social faith
cut swathes through our towns and cities. Against this
unsympathetic backdrop, a small body of enthusiasts
began to adapt and save a series of ruined Scottish
tower-houses or castles.
For the most part the restorers were not landowners,
nor did they generally become landowners beyond
their tower-house and its grounds.
The explanation for this new interest lies chiefly
in the social changes within Post War Britain. As
many large estates were broken-up and their great
houses demolished, opportunities were created for
enthusiastic individuals to acquire long-ruined castles
for restoration. Generally much smaller than the term
“castle” might imply, these ruins appealed on a variety
of levels. The combination of relatively manageable
scale, ease of availability (at least until the 1980s),
historical interest and an impressive character made
restoration irresistible to some. Most of these castles
embodied a high level of architectural design, making
them striking and often highly attractive buildings. By
the present date, probably around eighty to a hundred
ruined castles have been restored. Hundreds remain
in ruins.
A few restorers were of modest means and became
involved in self-build to a considerable extent. Some
failed to realise their dream and sold on to others.
Some restorers who did not themselves roll up their
sleeves, nonetheless expressed their commitment
through project management and control of detail.
Almost all became involved in writing cheques for
substantial sums. Many restorers and their families
lived on site in caravans, sometimes for years.
Restoring a ruined Scottish castle frequently proved far
more expensive than expected.
Nevertheless, the restoration trend gradually gathered
strength until it reached its peak in the two decades
before the current recession. By this stage, it had to
some extent merged with the mainstream national
enthusiasm for property redevelopment. In the
present day, it is quietly continuing with several castles
under restoration and another two likel y to go “on
site” before long.
Scottish castle restoration in some respects followed
a parallel course to the emergence of professional
architectural conservation. Initially at least, both were
part of a strong undercurrent against a prevailing
flood of demolition, and both were linked to the
democratisation of “heritage”.
Castle restoration, like almost every other kind of
development, was gradually subjected to a greater
control by the emerging planning system. The
availability of grants from 1954, together with the
growing importance accorded to listed buildings from
1968, and to scheduled monuments from 1979, were
milestones which gave the state a greater role. As the
conservation element of the planning system began
to exert its influence, confusing scenarios could result.
While demolitions of what would today be considered
valuable “heritage assets” continued, at the same time
more careful and restrictive control could be exercised
over restoration projects, including castle restorations.
By the 1990s, when the conservation element within
the planning system had probably reached the
Leslie Castle, Aberdeenshire: built in 1661, later
abandoned, and then restored in the 1980s.
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